Objective
To conduct a detailed analysis of DTI parameters [fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD)] to evaluate white matter integrity in the corpus callosum (CC), and to examine correlations between DTI data and performance on multiple measures of cognitive functioning.
Method
12 participants with a history of complicated mild, moderate, or severe TBI, and 12 control participants completed both standardized and experimental neuropsychological testing and an FMRI session, including DTI.
Measures
Detailed DTI analysis examined between-group and within-group comparisons of DTI parameters and demographic information, as well as measures of episodic memory and executive functioning.
Results
Differences were found between groups such that the TBI group demonstrated DTI values suggesting decreased white matter integrity, and correlations with injury severity. Both groups showed correlations between DTI parameters and cognitive measures, with more significant correlations observed for the TBI group. White matter changes in the CC were evident chronically, and were related to severity of injury.
Conclusions
DTI parameters suggesting disruptions in white matter may be implicated in impaired performance, both in terms of cognitive tasks and reaction time, after TBI.